About N.

D.S.V. Mallawarachchi

About D.S.V.

Abstract

Background Correct and timely detection of fever, reduces the morbidity and mortality of dengue.

Objective To describe the home-based temperature measuring practices and their association with selected events of disease progression among children treated as dengue in a tertiary care setting in Sri Lanka.

Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in six general medical wards of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children from July 2012 to December 2012 with a systematic sample of 425 children. Interviewer administered questionnaire and a data extraction sheet were used. Associations between fever detection practices and selected events of disease progression were analyzed (i.e. knowledge on fever, time of seeking treatment, need of intense monitoring, liver involvement, having an advanced grade for DHF and duration of stay)

Results The availability of a thermometer at home is 47.5% (n=201) with a majority having 152(75.6%) a mercury-in-built type. When detecting fever in the current episode, 136 (32.2%) had used the thermometer. Having a thermometer (p<0.01) and using a thermometer (p<0.001) was associated with better knowledge on fever. Parents who used thermometers, had earlier treatment seeking (p=0.05) and lesser duration of stay (p<0.005).

Conclusions Only one third of the parents used a thermometer to detect fever. Usage of a thermometer was associated with a better understanding of the disease process and had favorable outcomes in the current episode of dengue.

How to Cite:
Mahesh, P.K.B., Arnold, S.M., Gunathunga, M.W., Lathaharan, A., Ariyarathne, A.M.N., Pannilahetti, N. and Mallawarachchi, D.S.V., 2017. Home-based temperature measuring practices and their association with selected events of disease sequelae among children treated as dengue in a tertiary care setting in Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 22(1), pp.30–38. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v22i1.8084

Mahesh PKB and others, ‘Home-based Temperature Measuring Practices and Their Association with Selected Events of Disease Sequelae Among Children Treated as Dengue in a Tertiary Care Setting in Sri Lanka’ (2017) 22 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 30 DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v22i1.8084